FSC: Stormy Daniels Charges Were Appalling but Not Shocking

FSC: Stormy Daniels Charges Were Appalling but Not Shocking

LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition today issued a statement about last night’s arrest of adult superstar Stormy Daniels and other dancers at a gentlemen’s club in Ohio. Charges against Daniels were later dismissed (read the XBIZ story here).

The FSC said the following:

For members of the adult industry, last night’s arrest of Stormy Daniels and two other dancers in an Ohio nightclub was appalling, but not shocking. Unfortunately, those who work in our industry, particularly those who are sex workers, are all too familiar with selective prosecution, entrapment, censorship and morality campaigns.

That the arrest would happen in Ohio — a state with a history of political prosecutions of sexual speech, from Flynt to Mapplethorpe — is also unfortunately not shocking.

These arrests were not about any particulars of the act. Stormy Daniels’ touring show hasn’t changed much from city to city, as evidenced by the journalists and fans who have witnessed it. And her act — what Reason magazine recently described as “more vintage va-va-voom than vulgar” — is arguably tamer than thousands of performances that happen each night across the country.

No, these arrests were meant to send a message. They were meant to intimidate and to shame. They were meant, like so many thousands of similar arrests on so many unwinnable prosecutions across time and geography, to make life more difficult for sex workers. To use mugshots like heads on sticks to warn those who might speak out against sexual shame and political repression.

While politically minded prosecutors may not understand it, the basis of everything we do is consent. Consent to enjoy adult entertainment and consent from the workers who make it. It strikes us as the ultimate in hypocrisy to attend a performance and actively engage the performer — and then to arrest her.

Unfortunately, that’s what happens to sex workers across the country, who routinely find themselves entrapped through consensual contact, and sometimes extorted or assaulted as a way of enforcing a moral crusade.

We’re glad that Stormy is free, and that the charges have been dismissed. But what about the other dancers who were arrested last night in that sting? And what about the thousands of sex workers who are routinely approached, groped and arrested for performing consensual labor? We want freedom for them, as well.

Sex work is real work, and sexual speech is real speech. Last night’s arrests show once again that sex work prosecution is political repression, and that if we hope to stop the latter, we must stand up against the former as well.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Trump Administration Issues Executive Order Against 'Debanking'

The White House on Thursday issued an executive order limiting financial institutions’ ability to restrict access to financial services for people or groups involved in lawful industries, a longtime goal of adult industry advocates and stakeholders.

Millie Morgan Stars in Latest From MILFY

Millie Morgan stars with Hollywood Cash and Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, titled “Hot Blonde MILF Gets Tag-Teamed.”

Go.cam Launches Free Age Verification Solution, Anti-Fraud Features

Go.cam has announced that its age verification solution is now free with updated anti-fraud and identity protection features.

Mick Blue Dishes on Role in BET Plus Crime Flick 'Dutch III'

Decorated performer Mick Blue has stepped outside of the adult industry to appear in "Dutch III: International Gangster," a new mainstream crime movie currently streaming on BET Plus.

Blake Blossom, Millie Morgan Topline 'Massage Seductions 4' From Sweetheart Video

Blake Blossom and Millie Morgan headline the fourth volume of “Massage Seductions” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Elegant Angel Rolls Out 'Performers of the Year 2025'

Elegant Angel has kicked off its annual "Performers of the Year" campaign with weekly double penetration scene releases as part of "DP Tuesdays."

Adult Time's 'How Women Orgasm' Series Spotlights Sarah Arabic

Sarah Arabic is spotlighted in the latest installment of "How Women Orgasm," from Adult Time studio banner Up Close.

Florida AG Sues EU-Based Adult Companies for Failing to Age-Verify Users

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida against five EU-based adult companies for allegedly failing to require age verification before allowing access to adult content.

SkyPrivate Launches 'Telegram Pay-Per-Minute' Feature

SkyPrivate has launched a new pay-per-minute (PPM) private show option on Telegram.

Jessica Aaren, Wendy Raine & Harley Love Star in 'Freakier Friday' Parody From TeamSkeet

Jessica Aaren, Wendy Raine, and Harley Love star with Sage Roux in "I’m Still in My Stepdaughter's Body, Fuck Us Again," the latest parody release from TeamSkeet.

Show More